A Beginner’s Guide on choosing a Thermal Camera
A form of camera that gathers and displays pictures based on temperature differences is a Thermal Camera, commonly called an infrared camera. They have transformed the way we spot issues and assess temperatures. They are utilized in various sectors, from building inspections to medical imaging.
Choosing the best thermal camera for your requirements might be intimidating if you’re in the market for one. To assist you in choosing a Thermal Camera and making an educated choice, we’ll go through the main variables to consider when selecting a thermal camera in this tutorial and give samples of FLIR and SATIR devices.
Significant Considerations
Powerful equipment like these cameras can assist in finding issues that the human eye might miss. When selecting a thermal camera, consider things like resolution, temperature range, field of vision, accuracy, durability, battery life, software, and cost. The features and capabilities you require will depend on the exact application for which you will utilize the camera. By keeping these things in mind, you can select the finest camera for your requirements and profit from everything it offers.
There are various important variables to take into account when selecting a thermal camera. The most significant ones are listed below:
Resolution
The term “resolution” describes the quantity of pixels in a picture. The image has more detail visible the higher the resolution. You can zoom close on the image without losing detail if it is better quality.
Most cameras have a 320 x 240 or 640 × 480 resolution. However, the resolution of certain premium models may reach 1280 x 1024. For instance, the 320 x 240 resolution of the FLIR E75-24 Advanced Thermal Camera makes it perfect for electrical inspections, building inspections, and preventative maintenance.
Range of temperatures role in choosing a Thermal Camera
The minimum and greatest temperatures that a camera can detect are referred to as the temperature range. The camera is more adaptable the greater the temperature range.
The typical temperature range for thermal cameras is -20°C to 500°C. Some expensive versions can, however, detect temperatures as high as 2000°C. For instance, the SATIR V80 Smart Thermal Camera, with a temperature range of -20°C to 1500°C, is perfect for industrial uses, including glass production, foundries, and steel production.
Viewing Area
The region of the picture that the camera records is referred to as the field of view. You can catch more of the scene in a single photograph when your field of vision is larger.
The field of view on most cameras ranges from 24° to 45°. However, the field of vision on some expensive versions may reach 180 degrees. For instance, the FLIR T540 Thermal Camera, with its 24° x 18° field of view, is perfect for building and mechanical and electrical inspections.
Accuracy
The degree to which the camera’s results accurately reflect the actual temperature of the item being monitored is known as accuracy. A more precise camera will produce more trustworthy data.
The majority of thermal cameras are accurate to within 2% or 2°C. However, some expensive devices can be accurate to within 0.03°C. For instance, the SATIR N95 Thermal Camera, which has a precision of 0.3°C, is perfect for medical and scientific applications.
Durability
The term “durability” describes how effectively a camera can survive challenging circumstances, such as exposure to water or severe temperatures. A camera with greater durability will last longer and require less upkeep.
An example is the IP54-rated FLIR E95-24 Advanced Thermal Camera, which can tolerate challenging environmental factors, including dust and water. It is perfect for building inspections as well as electrical and mechanical examinations.
a battery’s life
The term “battery life” describes how long the camera’s battery can operate between charges. The camera may be used longer before recharging if its battery life is greater.
The typical battery life of thermal cameras is 4 to 8 hours. However, some expensive versions’ batteries may last up to 8 hours. For instance, the SATIR V80 Smart Thermal Camera’s up to 8-hour battery life makes it perfect for prolonged industrial inspections.
The programs and apps the camera includes to analyze and interpret the thermal pictures are software. It might be simpler to evaluate data and find abnormalities with good software. As an illustration, many FLIR cameras come with FLIR Tools+ software, which makes it simple to edit, distribute, and analyze thermal pictures. It has elements that can improve the image and make it simpler to understand, such as picture-in-picture (PIP) and multi-spectral dynamic imaging (MSX).
Price
Of course, cost should be taken into account while selecting a thermal camera. Depending on the features and capabilities of the camera, the price range for thermal cameras might differ significantly.
An cheap option for personal usage is the FLIR One Pro LT Personal Thermal Camera. The FLIR E95-24 Advanced Thermal Camera, on the other hand, is a high-end professional alternative .
Products from SATIR and FLIR Thermal camera
Now that you are aware of the elements to take into account when selecting a thermal camera, let’s look at some examples of FLIR and SATIR devices that highlight these elements.
Advanced Thermal Camera FLIR E75-24
Developed for professionals, the FLIR E75-24 Advanced Thermal Camera is a high-performance camera. It is perfect for building inspections, electrical inspections, and preventive maintenance since it has a resolution of 320 x 240 and a temperature range of -20°C to 120°C. You can include more of the scene in one photograph thanks to the camera’s 42° x 32° broad field of view. It also ensures accurate data with a 2°C or 2% accuracy.
The FLIR E75-24 is durable and has an IP54 rating, meaning it can withstand dust and water. Additionally, it has a battery life of up to 4 hours, enabling prolonged usage. With FLIR Tools+ software, including the FLIR E75-24, you can quickly and simply examine and interpret thermal pictures. To improve the image and make it simpler to understand, it also contains elements like MSX and PIP.
Smart Thermal Camera SATIR V80
A high-performance camera for industrial applications is the SATIR V80 Smart Thermal Camera. It is perfect for foundries, glass manufacturing, and steel production since it has a 640 x 480 resolution and a temperature range of -20 to 1500°C. The camera’s broad 31° x 23° field of view lets you include more of the scene in a single photograph. It also ensures accurate data with a 2°C or 2% accuracy.
The SATIR V80 is dust- and water-resistant thanks to its IP67 rating, which also refers to durability. Additionally, it has a battery life of up to 8 hours so you may use it continuously. The software with the SATIR V80 makes studying and deciphering thermal pictures simple. It also has features that improve the image and make it simpler to understand, such as temperature alerts and autofocus.
Personal thermal camera FLIR One Pro LT
The FLIR One Pro LT Personal Thermal Camera is a more economical solution for personal usage. It is perfect for personal usage and house inspections since it has an 80 x 60 resolution and a temperature range of -20 to 120 degrees Celsius. The camera’s 55° x 43° field of view lets you record more of the scene in a single picture. It also ensures accurate data with a 3°C or 5% precision.
The FLIR One Pro LT is a useful alternative for travelling because it is a durable solution, can be attached to your smartphone, and has a battery life of up to an hour. The FLIR One app, which is included with the FLIR One Pro LT, makes examining and understanding thermal pictures simple. It also has capabilities like temperature spot metering and multiple temperature regions of interest (ROI) to improve the picture and make it simpler to understand.
To sum up
Thermal cameras may be an invaluable tool for various tasks, including industrial use and residential inspections. When selecting a thermal camera, it’s crucial to consider features like resolution, temperature range, field of vision, accuracy, durability, and software capabilities. By considering these elements, you may select a thermal camera that satisfies your requirements.
Two well-known thermal camera manufacturers, FLIR and SATIR, provide various items with various features and functionalities. A handful of the numerous thermal cameras on the market include the FLIR E75-24, SATIR V80, and FLIR One Pro LT.
There is a thermal camera out there that is perfect for you, whether you’re a professional searching for a high-performance camera or a household seeking an economical solution. By using the proper thermal camera, you may spot issues and abnormalities that the human eye would miss and take action to reduce harm or increase efficiency.
